Halloween Celebrations!

Private hospitals have a host of problems too that were documented.  A CQC report found that some at least were life threatening: Too few Registered Nurses and not enough staff training; poor record keeping; lab specimens were not labeled correctly; blood was outdated; CPR equipment was broken; lack of operating room checks for instruments used in surgery.  This is according to a recent article in The Guardian by Colin Leys.
I recently spoke with a nurse who became sick after she had endured a time of documenting and meeting with her supervisors about work conditions at a private hospital where she worked.  However, when she was ready to return to work she found that she was let go and subsequently lost her employment tribunal.
In today's Daily Telegraph an article addresses changes that are in the making regarding whistelblowing, a term used for 'truth tellers.'  Ian Foxley of Whistleblowers, UK has proposed a scheme that will compensate for 'loss of career and the strain on their character.'  His organization suggests that whistleblowers register on a website which would in effect protect them from mistreatment by employers.
Public Concern at Work will release its findings from a Whistleblowing Commission next month.  There is empathetic understanding and regard for those who whistleblow and as Mr. Woodford says endure 'despicable treatment by their employers,' and can expect to 'discover if your friends are really your friends.'
On a larger scale regarding the government surveillance that has been so much in the news, an article entitled 'Johnson rallies to defense of Guardian over NASA files,' by Matthew Taylor and Owen Bowcott.  Borris Johnson is an open supporter of the Guardian, saying that the 'salient and interesting' revelations have shown the public what it 'deserves to know.'  It will be interesting to follow the outcome of today's debate in the House of Commons regarding oversight of the UK's intelligence agencies.

 
When it comes to money...money is important!  Most of us have gone on car drives with toddlers and wondered whether you would be able to keep your kid calm and entertained enough to make the drive less stressful.  One 'mumpreneur' used this experience as an opportunity and out of the struggle has earned a bunch of money!  http://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/sally-marlow-wins-bestproduct-mumpreneur-6130893  Congratulations to Ms. Marlow.

 We may not all be inventors and we all face today's inflation but as Andy Smith, general manager, Amway UK says, 'direct selling is an alternative, and flexible way to generate an income in those difficult times.'  I recently heard this song by Maria Carey and Whitney Houston 'When you believe,' and we all have to keep that flame of hope alive when we go ahead with our lives into unknown territory.  

Please join the Nurses Transition Network at Amway London between 7 pm and 9 pm on Monday evenings. Check out Network 21 and see all of the benefits of being linked to an organization that has the mentoring and marketing support that will help you build a successful business.
My very best wishes are with you as you move forward with your life.  If you have been coping with a license suspension please go to http://www.suspension-nhs.org/nhssuspensioncoping.htm  Julie Fagan who heads 'Campaign Against Unnecessary Suspensions and Exclusions in the NHS' keeps record of experiences that are written in by nurses and this can be a resourceful site in many aspects as you begin to adapt.  You are not alone and many have been before you who will reach out to you and help you to move forward.
Rita.